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Athletics club helps food bank with festive race

BBC Runners are lined up on a cold and wet night and many are wearing torches as they get ready to set off. The runner at the front is dressed as Ms Claus and others are wearing festive hats. They're on a walkway by a bus shelter and a man is holding a clipboard while another man is using his phone to time when the runners should set off.BBC
Runners braved the bad weather to compete in the final Jersey Spartans 5km race of the year

A Jersey athletics club used its festive 5km (3.1 miles) race to support a food bank for the first time.

Jersey Spartan Athletic Club asked its runners to donate items to the Grace Trust instead of paying a race fee for the event on the Waterfront.

The club hopes to make it an annual tradition to help those in need over Christmas.

It held a handicap race which meant slower runners were allowed to go first with quicker runners setting off at predetermined intervals based on their previous performances.

Katie smiles at the camera as three men stand behind her. She has a green coat on with a fake fur lining around the hood. She has a dark blue scarf as well. Her long dark hair is platted into a ponytail which is over her right shoulder.
Katie Cartwright from Jersey Spartans said the event was well supported by runners

Katie Cartwright, from the club, helped organise the event and timed the runners.

She said "we understand how difficult it can be" at this time of year and "we just want to bring some joy to the people of Jersey".

Ms Cartwright added: "We've had more than 45 runners turn up and each has brought more than one tin each, which is amazing."

Runners aged between 15 years old and 75 years old took part in the event on Tuesday.

Ismail smiles at the camera as he holds the trophy after the race. He's wearing a Manchester United football top with a Jersey Spartan AC race number on it. He as a grey lycra top under his shirt. He has a short dark beard and short dark hair. Runners are standing behind him in the dark.
Ismail Mahmood was given a trophy after he won the race

Ismail Mahmood, 32, won the race and finished in 23 minutes and 42 seconds.

However, due to the handicap, his time was 39 minutes and 12 seconds.

He said it was "the first time I've ever won" and "I have been running since August and it's been something I've enjoyed doing".

"Spartans are really good to me and really inspiring because they all help and we're all part of this sporting family," Mr Mahmood added.

Runners talk about how they found the festive race

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